[1]The announcement of Ferguson’s retirement has prompted a frenzy of money being placed on the Everton manager to succeed the 71 year-old.

And Telegraph Sport understands that Moyes, whose contract at Goodison Park expires at the end of the season, has already been identified as Ferguson’s successor and will be confirmed before United’s next game, on Sunday, against Swansea.

Moyes’s record at Everton since arriving from Preston North End in March 2002 lacks a trophy, or experience of Champions League football beyond the qualifying rounds, but the Scot’s readiness to build teams and promote youth is understood to be central to United’s decision to recruit the 50 year-old.